Method for the polymerization of olefins by ultrasonic vibrations



United States Patent Filed ion. 22, 1962, Ser. No. 167,)72 3 Claims,('Sl. 2lld=-i5- This invention relates to a process for t e polymerim:tion of hydrocarbons, and more particularly to a process for producinhydrocarbon polymers employing ultrasonic Wave vibrations Without theuse of a catalyst, such as in conventional processes, to effect the polyierizetion.

Polymerization processes, heretofore, have required the presence of acatalyst to bring about polymerization or hydrocarbons in a relativelyshort time as desired. Inscfar as is known, all commercially usefulprocesses utilize a catalyst in the carrying out of polymerizationmethods. The present process entirely eliminates the need for on ployingsuch catalysts.

it is an object of this invention to provide a new process for thepolymerization of hydrocarbons, particularly olenerein the treatmentcomprises subjecting the hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons toultrasonic wave vibration at a predetermined temperature to bring aboutthe polymerization of the hydrocar on, or copelymerization of themixture of hydrocarbons.

In nccordsn e with the process, polymers may be produced in high yieldwhich are oily, amorphous or solid resinous substances depending uponthe hydrocarbon or mixtures thereof used.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved processwherein the polymerization of hydrocarbons can be carried out withgreater speed and with the production of good yields.

in accordance with the process of this invention, the polymerization ofthe hydrocarbon is effected while cooled to a relatively low temperatureand such as may approach the congesling point of the hydrocarbon. Thepolymerizstion process is adapted to be carried out at relatively lowtemperatures and low pressures. Gaseous hydrocarbons such as obtainedfrom the distillation of petroleum oil and fractions and containing from2 to carbon atoms in the molecule may be polymerized to form polymersand/ or copolyrners.

Ultrasonic Wave vibrations, and which are employed in the process ofthis invention, have a frequency of about 17,080 cycles per second orabove. T his high frequency is above the upper limit or" the frequencyresponse of the human ear. Such ultrasonic vibrations may be produced bya suitable electronic generator or transducer unit and which generatesand converts high frequency electrical energy to vibrational waveenergy.

The temperature and pressures used in carrying out the process of theinvention varies depending upon the material being treated. In generalthe temperature is in the range of -10l C. to 200 (3., and the pressurefrom 2 to 50 atmospheres. Preferably, the temperature is sufiicientlylow to cause the molecules to approach relatively close to each otherwhile being subjected to the externally applied ultrasonic wavevibrations. Frequencies between 17 and 3G kilocycles per second (ho/s.)are suitable for carrying out the process, although higher freencies maybe used where the same is desired.

Elie following examples will serve to illustrate the present invention.

Example 1 Gaseous n-butylene is confined in a polymerization cunniberunder a pr ssure of 19 atmospheres and at a temperature of -15() C.While subjected to ultrasonic Wave vibrations of 22 ire/s. The treatmentis continued for 30 minutes or until the butylene is polymerized to oilyresinous polymer mass.

Example 2 A copoiynter of propylene and butylene is produced by admixingequal volumes or" the same in a polymerization other, and carrying outthe polymerization as in Exle 1, a temperature of lL-0 C. and pressureof 1% atmospheres.

Example 3 s pressure of thirty atmospheres to produce a polymerized ethlene.

e the invention has been described and examples given to teach thosesln'lled in the art how my inventive polymerization process may be usedto carry out various polymerization processes, substitutions and changesmay be rnede relative to El peratures and pressures While ern ployingultrasonic Wave vibrations by those using the process Without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:

i. A process for the polymerization of olefins which consists insubjecting oleiirts to the action of ultrasonic Wave vibrations at tel.c atures ranging from C. to 2G0 C. and a pressure ranging from 2 to 50atmosphotos.

2. The process of cla 1, wherein the olefin is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene, propylene and butyle e.

ultrasonic Wave g V 4 vibrations nave a frequency range or between 17and 30 l-nlocycl-es.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,666,174 8/52Kolthoff et ai 264-154 2,899,414 8/59 Mertes 264-154 3,308,886 1/61Sarantites 204-154 FOREIGN PATENTS 499,577 1/ 54 Canada.

MURRAY TILLMAN, Primary Examiner.

1. A PROCESS FOR THE POLYMERIZATION OF OLEFINS WHICH CONSISTS INSUBJECTING OLEFINS TO THE ACTION OF ULTRASONIC WAVE VIBRATIONS ATTEMPERATURES RANGING FROM-100*C. TO -200*C. AND A PRESSURE RANGING FROM2 TO 50 ATMOSPHERES.